As one of the powerhouse in the diving world, China is to stage a brand-new
diving event Champions Diving Tour ahead of the Athens Olympic Games, officials
from the Chinese Swimming Association (CSA) announced on Monday.

Diving for gold :
China's Tian Liang dives at the final of the 10m platform during the 14th
Diving World Cup in Athens' Olympic Aquatic Center. Liang won the gold
medal.[AFP/file]

Sponsored by international
big-name enterprises Nokia and Ford,the inaugural Champions Diving Tour plans to
stage three legs thisyear: April 2-3 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, May 21-23 in
Shanghai and September 28-30 in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

The Champions Diving Tour, which schedules three legs in the first two years
and five stages starting from 2006 to 2008, sets eight events in both men's and
women's as the 10 meter platform, synchronized platform, 3m springboard and
synchronized springboard.

Li Hua, vice chairman of CSA, said at a press conference,"The Tour will
provide more chances for both Chinese and top divers allover the world. This
year, divers can take it as the springboard to the Athens Olympic Games."

Li said, as the first diving event of the kind set by CSA, Champions Tour
will award each gold medalist 15,000 RMB as the prize money.

The opening Tour in April in Zhuhai will be combined with FINA World Cup
series at the same time, which is expected to have 130 divers to compete.

Chinese Olympic champion Tian Liang believes the Tour will boost his
confidence to defend his title in Athens.

The 24-year-old platform star said,"I like competition. The Tour gives me
more chance to compete and to prepare for the Olympic Games. I believe the
Olympic gold will be mine."